Event Category Archives: Educational Programs

Discover different species of the invasive Asian Carp and their distinguishing characteristics. Brennan Caputo, Natural Resources Coordinator for I.D.N.R., will discuss why they are such a problem and what the Department of Natural Resources is doing to control the movement and population of Asian Carp. This event will take place at the Starved Rock Visitors Center!

Join local author and Starved Rock Historian, Mark Walczynski, as he examines life at Starved Rock in 1712, an important year in Illinois Native American history. This program also examines the important role that the local Illinois Indians played in the Franco –Native American relations leading up to the infamous Fox Wars, one of the more turbulent periods in Illinois History. This event will take place at the Starved Rock Visitors Center!

Move to the beat with local musician Dave Peterson as he leads an interactive drum circle featuring African Percussion and Native American flutes. It’s an experience for all ages and ability levels. An energetic and fun way to create “in the moment” music with percussion instruments. Drums provided! This event will take place at the Starved Rock Visitors Center!

Join us as we honor Chief Walks with the Wind and the Native American history from Starved Rock Lodge’s days gone by. Enjoy stories, songs and ceremonies shared by Jerry “Ho Chunk Ska Gah” Savage, grandson of Chief Walks with the Wind. This is a free event, open to the public. This event will be held in the Great Hall.

Friday, August 1, 2014 8:30pm-10:00pm Starved Rock State Park Campground *Sponsored by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, Starved Rock State Park & Twin City Astronomers Enjoy a fun-filled evening exploring the night sky with the Twin City Astronomers Club. This family friendly evening will involve taking a laser-guided sky tour and using telescopes to view planets and other celestial wonders. *Weather Permitting* For more information call the Starved Rock Visitor Center at 815-667-4906

Wilderness Wednesday take place every Wednesday at 3pm from June 17 –August 12. Join the fun at FOX RIDGE (located directly across from the main steps of Starved Rock Lodge)! This weekly nature education program is suited for all ages. Each week, a guest presenter will introduce participants to a new nature topic. Topics include bees, geology, insects, snakes, butterflies and more! This is a great opportunity to learn something new about the world around Read More

Starved Rock Lodge’s Art in the Park Exhibit is the largest collection of chainsaw woodcarvings in the Midwest. The centerpiece of the exhibit is the large Native American Indian head in front of the Lodge – entitled Chief Walks with the Wind. This carving is a tribute to honor Same Sine. Sam (Chief Walks with the Wind) and his family shared Native American stories and cultural programs at the lodge for nearly 50 years. For Read More

Hey kids! Looking for fun and facts to help plan your visit to Starved Rock State Park? You have come to the right place. Explore our fun online resources and get to Starved Rock for endless activities and educational programs. The information below is provided thanks to the Illinois Natural History Survey, a division of the Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Upcoming Events Search for Read More

“We’re like the History Channel meets National Geographic,” said a recent hiker! And, we have to agree! Starved Rock State Park & Lodge is the best getaway in Illinois if you enjoy hiking, outdoor adventure, history and architectural landmarks. We have year ’round guided hikes, trolley tours, shopping, special events, educational programs, park activities and a variety of other fun things to do. Calendar of Events »